Former Kenyan international Victor Wanyama and all other Major League Soccer (MLS) players wore jerseys whose numbers had African imprints on them last weekend across all matches.The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder went on to share a photo of him donning the jersey just after their 1-0 loss to Austin FC on Sunday morning.##NAJAVA_MECA_6463154##This was one of the initiatives by MLS and all the involved clubs to celebrate Juneteenth, the historic date commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in the United States, together with Black Players for Change (BPC) – an independent organization of Black MLS players, coaches, and staff working to bridge the racial equality gap in soccer and society.
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It is also a continuation of MLS’ work to bring awareness to the significant contributions of Black Americans and to foster more inclusive and equitable communities.The numbers were printed in a vibrant yellow, green, and red color palette, to represent the blood, soil, and prosperity of Africa and its people.A statement by MLS said that the packaging of the limited edition jerseys reinforces the notion of “Freedom To Be,” emphasizing everyone’s inherent freedom to be their true selves in life”The jersey numbers and the limited-edition jersey packaging illustrate the history and importance of Juneteenth, and reinforce the notion of “Freedom To Be,” emphasizing everyone’s inherent freedom to be their true selves in every facet of life. Featured in the packaging is the powerful poem “Freedom,” one of the most seminal works by the legendary African American poet, novelist, and social activist Langston Hughes. Written in 1949, at a time when African Americans continued to face intense racism, disenfranchisement, and segregation, “Freedom” is unwavering in its call for freedom for African Americans. The inside of the packaging includes a space for MLS players to write a proclamation of what they are “Free To Be.”,” part of the statement read.Today we commemorate Juneteenth, the date marking the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in the U.S.Alongside @BPCMLS, we honor our inalienable right to be free and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of Black Americans to our culture, commerce, and community. pic.twitter.com/MkBz58WFOM— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 19, 2022 The jerseys worn during matches over the weekend will be available for fans to acquire via an online auction from Monday, June 20 to July 5, 2022 with all the proceeds from the auction benefiting organizations supporting and uplifting Black communities in the markets of MLS clubs. Harambee Stars skipper Michael Olunga and Duhail kick off pre-season trainingEach MLS club has selected a recipient of the proceeds from the Juneteenth jersey auction.
